Catalytic converter theft from cars isn’t a new crime, but it has increased significantly in recent times.
Police forces around the UK are advising owners of any car fitted with a catalytic converter to take precautions. In Toyota’s case it is second and third-generation Prius models (2004-2009 and 2009-2016 respectively) and second-generation Auris Hybrids (2012-2018) which have been particular targets for thieves.
Below we’ve gathered the best advice for Toyota owners who may be concerned.
What is a catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter is part of the car’s emissions control system. It cleans up the exhaust gases before they are expelled from the car through the exhaust pipe. Its internal elements react with the gases, breaking them down into less harmful substances and water vapour. All new cars sold in Europe since 1993 have had to be fitted with a catalytic converter by law.
Why are they a target for thieves?
Clearly the police are best placed to offer advice on the motives behind this crime. But we understand that the value of the catalytic converter for recycling is the main attraction to thieves, because it contains precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium.
What can owners do to stop their cars being targeted?
Some owners have chosen to tag their catalytic converters with an invisible yet traceable forensic marking solution, such as that provided by SmartWater. This means that a stolen catalytic converter can be traced to a specific crime, helping police in their attempts to fight the organised gangs responsible. It also raises the risk to all those handling the devices along the criminal chain, from theft to eventual disposal and recycling. Mechanical theft prevention products such as Catloc devices can also deter thieves.
However, it must be noted that catalytic converter theft is a criminal operation and the scope of owners is therefore limited. Police forces are taking action, so it is important for anyone who is a victim of this crime to report it as quickly as possible.
In the main, older cars are more likely to be targeted. This is because advances in efficiency and technology mean the latest generations of catalytic converters contain vastly lower amounts of precious metals, while still doing their job just as well or even better. This means their value for recycling is very low and they are not attractive to thieves.
Does a mechanical lock give my car 100% protection from thieves?
Sadly not. It can make theft more difficult but thieves are using high-powered cutting tools to remove catalytic converters and because of this it is not possible to make them ‘unstealable’. A mechanical locking device makes it harder to steal a catalytic converter because it slows down thieves and therefore acts as a deterrent.
If I’m worried about my Toyota model, what should I do?
If you are worried about potential catalytic converter theft from your Toyota, we recommend you use our locator tool to find your nearest Toyota centre and contact them to discuss the best way to protect your car.
This article was last updated on 2 November 2024, so some of the responses to reader comments below have been superseded by more recent information.
I’ve been reading these comments with great sadness and frustration. I too have had the catalytic converter stolen from my 2016 Auris this week. Although I understand Toyota were not expecting the part to be stolen, their copy and paste apologies are adding insult to injury. I’ve had to go through my insurance which is of course going to affect my premiums hence forth and I will also have to fork out the excess payment. I agree with some of the other points raised on this site, particularly about these models becoming unsaleable very soon. Personally I am looking to sell the Auris as soon it comes back from the garage – but it looks like I won’t be getting it back anytime soon judging by previous comments. On my street there are no less than 6 Prius yet only my Auris catalytic converter was stolen, it was sawn off in less than a minute. How will a catlock solve that problem? I was looking at Lexus CT200 until I realised that Lexus is owned and made by Toyota. According to the news reports, the thieves are specifically targeting Toyota and Honda. I look forward to receiving your copy and paste insincere apology in due course. It’s a shame the part can’t be delivered as quickly as the apology
Hi there,
We are so sorry for all you’ve been through and we don’t mean for our responses to feel like they are cut and pasted, because we aim to talk to each customer on a case by case basis. We sense your frustration and will email you directly to gain further information to open a customer relations case on your behalf.
Thanks.
I had the catalytic converter stolen from my gen 2 Auris at the end of May. Following the advice from this blog, I contacted my local Toyota who informed me that a CatLoc for gen 2 Auris will only be released in August. Our car was serviced at Toyota in August and almost all the customers we met there while we were waiting had had their cat stolen at least once!
We were told by Toyota staff that the catloc for Auris will only be available end of August/early September but warned us that they have had customers with cats stolen despite the catloc too!!
While waiting to book in to get a Catloc fitted, our catalytic converter has been stolen again. When I reported the crime to local police at 1pm, they informed me that I was the 3rd person to report a stolen catalytic converter and all 3 victims were driving a Toyota!
You mention that other vehicles have been affected by this too, but it is clearly more prevalent amongst Toyotas. This must only be a design flaw and I would ask for Toyota to fit a CatLoc for all models affected as a bare minimum.
We will be selling our Toyota when it has been fixed which is such a shame as we really like it but cannot afford to put any more time or money into this.
Hi Esther,
We are so sorry for the ordeal you have been through.
This is not a design fault from a Toyota manufacturing perspective. Most vehicles have their Catalytic Converter in a similar place due to the nature of the part. The valuable metals and location of the part make it susceptible to thieves.
We will email you directly to gain further information so that a case manager can contact you as we’d love to keep you in your Toyota.
Thanks.
Thank you. A case manager has gotten in touch with a very generic response which does not actually offer any help. I see no way forward than to buy a new car. I say this with a heavy heart as our Auris has served us well, but for it to have happened twice in 3 months is no coincidence. As you say, most vehicles have the catalytic converter in a similar position, but most vehicles do not have their cats stolen. There is a clear prevalence of this crime amongst Toyota hybrids.
Hi Esther,
Thanks for getting back to us. Once again, we are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime and we appreciate you aren’t happy with our response. We can see your case has been escalated within our customer relations team in order for us to help you further. We will therefore add these additional comments in and someone should be in touch with you soon.
Thanks.
Totally agree Ester. The customer relations team in my case (CASE1190359) merely contacted the dealer & instructed him to ring me – but he has no more information than I have – poor guy has 8 cars awaiting replacement catalytic converters. I’d love the customer relations team to help me further, but the reality is they can’t answer any of my questions. I’ve instructed Toyota that I will not be paying any further PCP payments until I have a car that works, as have been waiting over 9 weeks now for a replacement catalytic converter with no ETA.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for getting in touch. We appreciate you’re unhappy with our response and we will add these comments to your case in order to escalate it to the Customer Relations Manager.
Thanks.
I had my cat stolen from my toyota auris on 24th June and I am still waiting for the new cat to be fitted. My garage has now suggested putting a secondhand one on the car as the wait is so long and they do not have a date. I do not want this to happen as my car is a 67 model. They say these cat are green (recycled) .
Hi Janet,
We are sorry that you have been a victim of this unlawful activity. As you don’t seem happy with the suggestion by your dealer, we will contact you directly in order to raise a customer relations case to get the best solution for you.
Thanks.
No worries I’ve decided to go with the recycled cat. It all makes sense rather than wait for another few months. Almost three months is a long time to wait for a cat.
Opportunistic theft.. mine was taken by 2 professional criminals blocking the road with 2 cars front of cctv, work entrance in Ireland. Was told if there is catloc they prob cut through fuel lines or steering ,if they make it under the car will try and take their time ,again these people don’t care. I will get replacement cat for €150 and anywhere I park will sign it around the windows that no oem cat on the car. last til I sell the car and never again hybrids. other cars are not affected, it’s just insane can’t even go shoppong without fear. Toyota could charge 3-400 for a cat and sell stronger catstrap ,non-profit price if police report of the theft presented, it’s unfair to profit on this. Toyota isn’t responsible but once this start going around nobody will buy hybrids if it’s so expensive to fix or causing increased insurance premiums.
Hi Peter,
The Catloc device is bespoke to each Toyota model and protects the components at each end of the catalytic converter, it’s made of marine-grade stainless steel and attached with anti-tamper fixings. All manufacturers are facing this issue, however, the recent rise in the value of such parts for recycling outside the UK has meant that police forces have seen a very significant rise in these offences in the last few months.
In addition to this we have responded to the rise in thefts of catalytic converters by reducing the unit price where possible.
We will email you directly to gain further details so that we can raise a customer relations case on your behalf.
Thanks.
I have a toyota auris hybrid 2012 and from my secured hospital car park on broad day light my converter was stolen. I booked a new prius and thinking of cancelling the order.
Hi Sam,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. We are incredibly sorry you have been a victim of this type of crime and for the stress this may have caused. We appreciate the seriousness of this issue and will email you directly in order to open a customer relations case on your behalf. This will allow us to discuss your individual case in more detail and answer any questions you may have about your new Prius.
Thanks.
Catalytic converter stolen from my 2014 auris on 12/09/19 whilst parked in hospital car park. Unaware of the issue regarding these thefts until informed by the AA patrolman. Two cars affected that day in the one car park.
Only bought the car two weeks previously from toyota dealer – no mention of the issue or offer of fitting catloc despite the fact that they have 2 cars affected at the garage awaiting catalytic converters.
Why are toyota not warning customers and existing owners given there has been a massive spike in thefts over the last few months. What are they doing to increase supply of parts to get their customers back on the road as soon as possible. I was unable to get to work the following day leaving my department short staffed. I will be out of pocket due to insurance excess as are many others posting on this blog and paying finance on a car I cannot drive.
This issue will seriously affect reputation of toyota and make me think twice about where I get my next car.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. We are so sorry you have been targeted by criminals.
Earlier this year we posted guidance online for customers, including police advice and wrote to all our dealers asking them to direct customers to this information. We appreciate that due to the timing and purchase of your car, you may not have received this information.
Regarding the supply of parts, we have seen a huge rise in demand for due to the recent crime wave for Catalytic Converters in certain areas of the UK and we, and our supply chain, are unable to keep up with demand for this essential part.
However, please be aware we are doing everything we can to ensure parts can be found and working with our European counterparts to make sure this is resolved as quickly as possible.
We will email you directly in order to open a customer relations case on your behalf in order to discuss your situation in more detail.
Thanks.
I am the latest victim here of this scandal and I’m feeling terrible.
Angry with the thieves of course but increasingly disappointed with Toyota. My favourite car brand and the brand I’ve trusted for 4 of my last 5 cars.
The catalytic converter was stolen from my 65 plate Auris Touring Sport on the 12th or 13th of September. It was parked in our private parking space on a busy Greenwich street. I’ve had the car for only 5 months and bought it from a main dealership nearby.
At first I though I was just unlucky but I have, like all the other victims here, since learned that I have been avoidably let down in the ongoing scandal and that Toyota could have helped to avoid my being involved.
I know that Toyota are not the only brand to be vulnerable but a quick internet search show an alarming bias to the Prius and Auris range.
It’s just too easy for the thieves to do and in most cases seems to take under 10 minutes.
Just search “catalytic converter theft” on YouTube and the first page alone shows video after video of Toyotas being attacked.
Of course, all catalytic converters are at risk and owners can reduce the risk by fitting alarms and devices. BUT ONLY IF THEY ARE MADE AWARE. The dealership must have been aware of the problem when I made my purchase but highlighting faults is not good sales strategy.
I have started the claim with my insurer and I too am finding that the replacement parts are in short supply and I will have to wait weeks for the work to be carried out.
Weeks of time spent chasing up the process and other inconveniences.
PLEASE TOYOTA, DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS SCANDAL.
One powerful and trust-building direction to take would be to fit all vehicles that pass through your hands with the extra security as a matter of course.
There must be more that can be done and I will post here if I have any advice for victims or Toyota in the days to come.
AAHHGGG !!!
Hi Matthew,
Thanks for getting in touch and we are deeply sorry you have been impacted by this sudden rise in criminal activity.
We have seen a huge rise in demand for parts due to the recent crime wave for Catalytic Converters in certain areas of the UK we, and our supply chain, are unable to keep up with demand for this essential part. However, please be aware we are taking urgent action to address this with our suppliers, to ensure parts can be found and working with our European counterparts to make sure this is resolved as quickly as possible.
We will email you directly to gain further details in order for us to open a customer relations case on your behalf. This will allow us to discuss your case in more detail in order to help you further.
Thanks.
Its been six weeks now without my car since the cat on my Auris Hybrid was stolen – just 10 miles from the Derby factory. The car is at the Toyota dealer and they have no eta on when the part will be available to fit. They have three other cars with the same problem. I was told they were redesigning the part so it may be a while but the Toyota customer relations has said that’s not true and suggested getting the garage to fit the £250 cat loc.
While this goes on my insurance isn’t covering the cost of a hire car so I’m substantially out of pocket.
After this experience I very much doubt I’d consider buying a Toyota again.
Hi Robert,
Thanks for getting back in touch. We are so sorry you have been targeted by thieves. We understand that you are in touch with our customer relations team who are working hard to resolve your case. We will add these comments to your case in order for us to help you further.
Thanks.
How do I get a case with your customer relations team. After waiting 2 months for a new catalytic converter, I’m having to wait again for a catlock. I’ve had no car since July!
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this crime and we appreciate the distress this must have caused you.
We can also only apologise for the delay in replacement parts. We are working as hard as we can with our suppliers to try to resolve this as soon as possible. Our main supplier has now increased its daily production shifts from one to three, and we hope this will allow us to get customers back on the road more quickly.
Regarding opening a customer relations case, we will email you to gain further details in order to do this on your behalf.
Thanks.
I was devastated as my Catalytic converter was stolen last weekend from my 2018 auris. What disturbed me more was that I had just taken my car into service and nobody had mentioned anything about these thefts or any way you can protect your car. I have called and spoken to Toyota Jemca in Enfield, Who say that they wouldn’t want to scare customers. I think this is an appalling attitude, that customers should have been given all the information and option to purchase Catlock. I explained that this would be cheaper than the excess I’m paying on my insurance and the amount I will have to pay in the future on premiums having needed to make a claim.
In addition I am expected to purchase the Cat lock and be grateful that it is discounted. Why is this not a standard feature. They say this is a new crime and less than a handful of auris’s have been targeted. From this blog I see that is another lie to fob customers off.
Why are Toyota not calling all owners and fitting the lock for free, it’s not just the cars that are in danger it’s putting its owners at risk too.
Is our information being leaked from Jemca Enfield??? this happened to a family member who as I did just took there car in for service and mot. What a coincidence both off our cars after visiting Enfield Jemca are targeted.
We both were not advised of the lock and are waiting for parts as many others. This is very disruptive and costly for Toyota owners. Especially myself as I have a disabled child who became very distressed when this happened.
If Toyota don’t wish to deal with this problem, I will have to get rid of the car as I don’t want to live in fear of this happening over and over again. It is too distressing and expensive.
Hi Leah,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are incredibly sorry you have been a victim of this crime and for how you feel about your experience.
Toyota is very concerned with the recent sharp rise in the organised theft of catalytic converters from vehicles in the UK by criminal gangs. Our first priority is to do all we can to protect and support our customers who have been victims of crime.
In some cases these thefts have been brazen, in daylight, and we understand completely how traumatic and distressing this must be for you, quite aside from your car then being off the road.
Earlier this year we posted guidance online for customers, including police advice, wrote to all our dealers asking them to direct customers to this information and wrote direct to Prius customers, where we had contact details, reiterating police advice.
We have also introduced, at a reduced price, a “Catloc” device, which can help to deter theft and we are taking further action to ensure the price of fitting a replacement catalytic converter at a Toyota approved service centre is minimised.
We will email you directly to open a customer relations case in order for us to investigate this further on your behalf.
Thanks.
I’m sorry but putting information up on the website is not enough. Auris and all hybrid owners should have been contacted directly. To be told by a service manger when asked why I was not been informed at my service, “they didn’t want to scare customers” is ridiculous!
Make up your mind if you are apparently posting information why would you not also create awareness to the customers you come in contact with?
How can we be sure our information is not being leaked? Will this be investigated?
It’s not fair that Toyota are allowing owners to be put at risk.
Hi Leah,
Thanks for getting back in touch. We have now opened a customer relations case with our team who will be best placed to discuss your additional concerns further.
Thanks.
My Prius Plus’s (2013) CAT also stolen today at Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre. In broad daylight. According to the manager, they have had reports of other Toyota vehicles having the same thing happening to theirs at the car park. This is absolutely unacceptable that Toyota knew of the risks involved yet didn’t offer fixes by notifying their customers. Not even at our last service were we advised. I only found out it is a serious problem when the RAC guy arrived and told me that he has been to 5 incidents just this last couple of months with the same problem. All Toyotas. I’m horrified to see Toyota had known this for so long but didn’t proactively do anything about it.
Surely this is deemed the same as a safety recall since without a CAT, the vehicle is not safe to drive. Something needs to be done!!
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are so sorry you have been a victim of this terrible crime. Toyota is very concerned with the recent sharp rise in the organised theft of catalytic converters from vehicles in the UK by criminal gangs. Our first priority is to do all we can to protect and support our customers who have been targeted by criminals.
Vehicle crime changes over the decades – car audio has been targeted, then alloy wheels and so on. Although “cat theft” is not new, or limited to Toyota products, it has always been comparatively rare; however, the recent rise in the value of such parts for recycling outside the UK has meant that police forces have seen a very significant rise in these offences in the last few months. This sudden rise is one we could not have envisaged set against many years of low incidents of theft. This has impacted our ability to source enough of the parts we need in some cases, for which we sincerely apologise; but we are taking urgent action to address this with our suppliers.
Similar to your situation, some of these thefts have been brazen, in daylight, and we understand completely how traumatic and distressing this must be for you, quite aside from your car then being off the road.
Earlier this year we posted guidance online for customers, including police advice, and wrote to all our dealers asking them to direct customers to this information. We are sorry if you have not been notified.
We have also introduced, at a reduced price, a “Catloc” device, which can help to deter theft and we are taking further action to ensure the price of fitting a replacement catalytic converter at a Toyota approved service centre is minimised.
We will email you directly to gain further details in order for us to open a customer relations case on your behalf.
Thanks.
Your reply doesn’t help much apart from adding salt to the wound. I have had to take a whole day off work trying to find a garage who can find parts. Yet all 5 that I have been, all say that this epidemic has been specific to Toyotas, especially Prius and Auris models. I feel that the sheer numbers of affected customers prove that there is something inherently flawed with the design of the fitment of the CAT. Allowing thieves to successfully remove this with such ease and speed without even setting off the alarm proves that a recall should have been actioned and not a haphazard offer to interested parties willing or fortunate enough to have found out before their CAT was stolen, a Cat Loc solution at what I believe is not a fair price considering it will only delay the thieve slightly while they cut through it.
I still haven’t received any email regarding a customer relations case.
I’m left now with a vehicle which is impossible to repair and has no resale value sitting on my drive. We have now had to make alternative arrangements for the school run by bus with 2 young children. My husband now has to pay for mini cab as his workplace is not accessible by public transport from our house.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting back in touch. We are incredibly sorry by the stress this criminal activity has caused for both you and your family. We have now opened a case with our customer relations team who should be in touch with you soon to discuss your concerns in more detail.
Thanks.
I am extremely disappointed that the Customer Relations representative has give the same lackluster response as all the ones on this blog. I just can’t believe the blasé attitude. The crux of the problem is that Toyota has known about this problem for long enough. The alleged advice letter sent out was never received. Nobody advised at all at any of the service or repairs over the last 6 years of me owning the vehicle!!! It’s not acceptable at all! Something more meaningful must be done! I cannot be left without a vehicle for 1 week, let alone 4 months which was estimated from our local Toyota.
Hi there,
Thanks for getting back in touch. Once again, we are extremely sorry you have been impacted by this situation. We appreciate your distress from this and have let the customer relations team know of your latest comments as they are currently working on your case.
Thanks.
My Toyota dealer has got back to me with an earliest date for inspection for a quotation is 1st October!!! That is a joke!! This is not even a repair date, just to look at the damage and quote for the cost of the repair. No doubt, it will be another 4-5 months wait from the looks of it.
There’s no urgency shown at all even though they are aware of the issues and the amount of stress and inconvenience this has caused. Disappointed is an understatement!
Hopefully customer relations are able to chase my local Jemca Toyota (Edgware Road) to fast track the appointment. After-all, it’s only an inspection to give a quote!
Hi Yidan,
Thanks for your comment, which we have passed this on to our customer relations team.
Thanks.